What is a Home Inspection Process?

A professional home inspection is a visual non-invasive inspection of the structure and components of a home to find items that are not performing correctly or items that are unsafe. If a problem or a symptom of a problem is found the home inspector will include a description of the problem in a written report and may recommend further evaluation. Before you close, you need to consider whether or not repairs are needed now and who’s going to pay for them.

Why is a home inspection important?

Emotion often affects the buyer and makes it hard to imagine any problems with their new home. A buyer needs a home inspection to find out all the problems possible with the home before moving in. Once your inspection is performed, do not wait on the agent to assist you. Review the inspection and make a list of items you think the seller should address and present them to the agent in a timely manner. While the inspection is not meant to be a tool for re-negotiations, many times it becomes one. Don’t let your brother or uncle or a friend do it. You are not saving any money by letting a friend look. Even if he is a contractor, it does not mean that he is a good inspector. You need a qualified unbias inspection so when the inspector does find problems, they won’t be easily minimized by the other parties because your uncle or friend did the inspection. Most professional inspectors provide a computerized report with pictures and comments that readily identify the deficiency and what is needed to repair or replace it.

What if the report reveals problems?

All homes (even new construction) have problems. Every problem has a solution. Solutions vary from a simple fix of the component to adjusting the purchase price. If the inspector recommends further inspection by a qualified person, this means that you need to get an opinion by a qualified person before your inspection time period runs out on your real estate contract. Deciding on whether to fix an item or asking for a price reduction is a matter the buyer has to resolve with the aid of their Real Estate Agent. The Barrie Home Inspector will identify the problem and give an informed opinion on the condition and need for repair or replacement.

What does a home inspection include?

A home inspector’s report will review the condition of the home’s major systems, including the heating system, central air conditioning system (temperature permitting), interior plumbing and electrical systems; the roof, attic, and visibleinsulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors; the foundation, basement, and visible structure. Many inspectors will also offer additional services not included in a typical home inspection, such as mold, radon testing, water testing, thermal imagery and heat/air loss inspections typically known as energy audits without the diagnostics.

What should I NOT expect from a home inspection?

• A home inspection is not protection against future failures. Stuff happens! Components like air conditioners and heat systems can and will break down. A home inspection attempts to reveal the condition of the component at the time the component was inspected. Major electrical appliances typically work fine unitl they fail. Buyers should schedule their final walk through as close to the closing date as possible and make sure all the major components of house are working and any appliances that were included. You can ask your lawyer to with hold funds for repair of any items that were not working at time of walk through.
• A home inspection is not an appraisal that determines the value of a home. Nor will a home inspector tell you if you should buy this home or what to pay for this home.
• A home inspection is not a code inspection, which verifies local building code compliance. A home inspector will not pass or fail a house. Homes built before code revisions are not obligated to comply with the code for homes built today. Home inspectors will report findings when it comes to safety concerns that may be in the current code such as ungrounded outlets above sinks. A home inspector thinks “Safety” not “Code” when performing a home inspection. This does not mean you should hire a home inspector who does not have any code training because if he does not know the building codes he will not know what to look for. The Ontario Building Codes are the bare minimum requirements that a house has to be constructed to.
• A home inspector should not be trying to promote repair services, contractor referrals or home warranty products. He is being paid to provide you with a professional report on the condition of the property you are purchasing not trying to separate you from more of your hard earned money.

Should I attend the home inspection?

It is recommended that the client be there so the home inspector can explain in person and answer any questions you may have. This is an excellent way to learn about your new home even if no problems are found. The Barrie Home Inspector asks that you attend the inspection to participate and learn important information about your new home. This enables you to see, hear and read about the deficiencies, maintenance and system information about your home.